Methods and Techniques for Quali-Quantitative Analyses: an Agricultural Application

[En] This paper describes a dynamic systems model which links the private and public functions of agriculture with the territorial development of rural regions and quality of life of rural residents. Among the key results are the quantification of a set of economic, social and environmental outcomes which follow from a set of EU policy scenarios for the period 2013. [It] L’articolo descrive un modello dinamico di sistema che lega le funzioni private e pubbliche dell’agricoltura con lo sviluppo territoriale delle regioni rurali e con la qualità della vita dei residenti. Tra i risultati principali vi è la quantificazione degli effetti economici, sociali e ambientali generati da un insieme di scenari di politiche comunitarie per il 2013. [Fr] L’article décrit un modèle dynamique de système qui lie les fonctions privées et publiques de l'agriculture avec le développement territorial des régions rurales et avec la qualité de la vie des résidants. Parmi les résultats principaux on a la quantification des effets sociaux, environnementaux et économiques générés par un ensemble de scénarios de politiques pour le 2013.POMMARD, Dynamic Systems Model, Multifunctional Agriculture, Rural Development, Quality of Life, Policies

How the stomach and the brain work together at rest

Low-frequency electrical waves in the stomach seem to be synchronised with the activity of a newly discovered resting-state network in the human brain

Left threatened by Right: political intergroup bias in the contemporary Italian context.

Using different evaluation targets (i.e., politicians’ pictures, ideological words, items referring to features attributed to political ingroup/outgroup) we characterized the intergroup bias among political groups in the Italian context (Study 1-2-3) and tested a model that may account for the bias itself (Study 3). For all evaluation targets, left-wing participants -compared to right wing participants - showed a greater intergroup bias, expressing more negative emotions towards the outgroup. The process was influenced by a greater perceived threat of the outgroup. Conversely, right-wing participants expressed the bias only when presented with ideological words. Our results provide a detailed description of how intergroup bias in Italy is differently expressed by the two ideological groups depending on the targets used to represent the political counterpart. Moreover, the results show that the stronger bias expressed by left-wing participants is driven by perceived threat of the outgroup

Louise de Keralio reads the biography of Charles V written by Christine de Pizan: a comparison of two female intellectuals who lived four centuries apart

Un'originale intellettuale donna vissuta in Francia alla fine del XVIII secolo commenta all'interno di un'opera dedicata alla produzione femminile di testi le opere scritte da Christine de Pizan. In questo articolo ci si occupa in particolare della lettura e commento della biografia di Carlo V composta da Christine de Pizan (1365-1431), prima opera storica scritta da una donna

The number line: a “western” teaching aid

This paper aims at discussing a very popular teaching aid, the so-called number line, where whole numbers are introduced as labels on unit marks by means of a measuring process and where additions and subtractions can be realized, as operators, with jumps forwards and backwards. Traces of this early approach can be found in the teaching practices of most Western countries, but, surprisingly, not in the most popular Chinese textbooks. A question arises: where does the difference come from? In the following, I review some Western literature to sketch out the analysis of the number line as a teaching aid, from the historic-epistemological, cognitive and didactical perspectives. Later some paradigmatic practices from different countries are presented

Ultrasonography and Reproduction in Buffalo

Ultrasonography is a simple, reliable and non-invasive imaging technique without secondary effects. Application of real time ultrasonography in veterinary practice has developed to become the most efficient diagnostic toolfor managing reproduction. The objectives of current work are to offer an overview of the uses and utility ofultrasonography for the buffalo evaluation of physiological and pathological conditions and for the application of assistedreproductive technologies. Assessment of pregnancy status and fetal viability early postbreeding to identify cows that failto conceive improves reproductive efficiency by decreasing the interval between artificial insemination services andincreasing artificial insemination service rate. Ovarian and uterine pathologies, not accurately detected via rectalpalpation, can easily be visualized by ultrasound and appropriate therapies can be implemented. Determination of fetalsex in utero is useful when coupled with a management decision that justifies the expense of fetal sexing. Developmentof integrated reproductive management systems that combine ultrasound with new and existing reproductivetechnologies will further enhance the practical applications of ultrasonography. Development of extension educationprograms to train practitioners to use ultrasound for routine reproductive examinations is a critical step toward rapidimplementation of this technology into the dairy industry

Conservative Surgical Treatment of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw with Er,Cr:YSGG Laser and Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract Introduction: The management of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), with no evidence-based guidelines, remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a conservative surgical treatment combining Er,Cr:YSGG laser and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of BRONJ in cancer patients.Methods:We performed a longitudinal cohort study. Inclusion criteria were (1) age 65 18 years; (2) cancer diagnosis; (3) treatment with NBP because of the underlying cancer. Results:We consecutively recruited ten patients diagnosed with BRONJ in stage I or II. These patients underwent a surgical laser-assisted therapy together with autologous PRP. At the latest follow-up at 12 months, clinical improvement was observed in eight patients. Registration Number is IRCT20180329039159N1. Conclusion:We could successfully manage the BRONJ utilizing this combined protocol to heal the 30% of surgically treated sites and to improve the 50% of patients' lesions clinically. Our findings suggest that a surgical approach combined with Er,Cr:YSGG laser and PRP benefit cancer patients with general health issues

The use of human adipose-derived stem cells in the treatment of physiological and pathological vulvar dystrophies

“Vulvar dystrophy” is characterized by chronic alterations of vulvar trophism, occurring in both physiological (menopause) and pathological (lichen sclerosus, vulvar graft-versus-host disease) conditions. Associated symptoms are itching, burning, dyspareunia and vaginal dryness. Current treatments often do not imply a complete remission of symptoms. Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) injection represents a valid alternative therapy to enhance trophism and tone of dystrophic tissues. We evaluated efficacy of ADSCs-based therapy in the dystrophic areas. From February to April 2013 we enrolled 8 patients with vulvar dystrophy. A biopsy specimen was performed before and after treatment. Digital photographs were taken at baseline and during the follow-up. Pain was detected with Visual Analogue Scale and sexual function was evaluated with Female Sexual Function Index. All patients received 2 treatments in 3 months. Follow-up was at 1 week , 1 and 3 months, and 1 and 2 years. We obtained a significant vulvar trophism enhancement in all patients, who reported pain reduction and sexual function improvement. Objective exam with speculum was easy to perform after treatment. We believe ADSCs-based therapy finds its application in the treatment of vulvar dystrophies, since ADSCs could induce increased vascularization due to their angiogenic properties and tissue trophism improvement thanks to their eutrophic effect